How Akii Bua stadium is getting ready for Afcon 2027

24 September 2026, 7:56 pm

By Regina Lalam

The National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary, Dr. Patrick Egwel, has reaffirmed that Akii Bua Stadium in Lira City will be ready to host activities for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Dr. Egwel gave the assurance during an inspection of the stadium by Parliament’s Committee on Education and Sports, which visited the facility to assess progress ahead of the continental tournament that Uganda will co-host. The inspection established that construction of the stadium has reached 84 percent completion, while overall expenditure on the project stands at 87 percent.

Technical Engineer with SAMCO—the construction company—Ms. Shara Ajok, told the committee that preparatory works commenced on December 6, 2024, and the project is expected to be completed by January 2, 2027. She noted that drainage works are 78 percent complete, while the construction of roads around the stadium is at 40 percent.

Responding to concerns from legislators about the pace of works, particularly the road network, Dr. Egwel assured the committee that the stadium will be ready in time. He revealed that more than 1,000 local people from Lango are currently employed on the project and that payments to workers are progressing well.

Dr. Egwel also urged Lira City authorities to take responsibility for works under their mandate, especially the completion of access roads and other supporting infrastructure around the stadium. On accommodation for expected visitors, he disclosed that discussions are ongoing regarding the construction of a five-star hotel in Lira City, adding that NCS is awaiting President Yoweri Museveni’s intervention to facilitate funding.

Members of Parliament who were part of the inspection raised various concerns:

• West Budama North East MP Richard Owere questioned why road works around the stadium remain at only 40 percent with AFCON approaching.
• Kyoga North County MP Colline Angwech Mindyang and Kiiraolo South MP Andrew Kiiza sought clarification on whether NCS had submitted a comprehensive report to government on the management and completion plan for the stadium.
• Moyo District Woman MP Benadette Chandia Kodili asked how many local people have benefited through employment.
• Maruzi County MP Peter Obong Acuda urged SAMCO to submit a detailed report on outstanding works to enable government to address existing challenges.

Otuke East MP Julius Acon Bua commended President Museveni and government for responding to the longstanding demand from the people of Lango for a modern sports facility, a call he said has been made since 2010. He called on parents to support children with sporting talent.

Buvuma District Woman MP Judith Nagujja commended NCS for its role and urged the Council to ensure all remaining works are completed to the required standards and that proper access pathways for visitors are developed.

The inspection comes at a critical stage of the project, with completion expected in January 2027, just months before Uganda co-hosts AFCON 2027.